Bansko
Ski Holidays

Bansko skiing is great for...

Apres ski

Families

Beginners

Intermediates

Snowboarders

Welcome to Bansko Ski Resort

The historic village of Bansko can trace its roots to pre-Roman times. Skiing is a more recent innovation – but today it’s one of Bulgaria’s most popular resorts. Its chief attraction is of course its value – Bulgaria is more affordable than the resorts of the western Alps. But don’t just come for the price. The pistes are wide and varied suiting all abilities, and form part of the UNESCO recognised Pirin National Park. The two main ski areas, Chalin Valog and Shiligarnika offer runs up to 2,500m and are accessed by a long gondola ride to the top but the views when you’re there are well worth it. And when you get down, a varied après and cultural scene awaits.

View and download Bansko ski map

Resort Information

Resort Altitude

925m

Total Piste KM

75km

No. Skilifts

Snow Range

990m-2530m

Bansko ski runs & ratings

TOTAL: 75km

Beginner(Distance: 44km)

8/10

Intermediate(Distance: 25km)

6/10

Advanced(Distance: 6km)

3/10

Best time to ski in Bansko

The ski season kicks off mid December and runs for four months until the middle of April. The most popular times are Christmas and New Year, particularly for families, with the festive vibes adding to the magical wintery experience. January is the coldest month and then as the season progresses, the temperature and daylight hours increase. By the time March comes along it’s possible to pick up a real bargain and enjoy some great springtime skiing. And with 400 snow cannons, artificial snow can be produced to cover most of the resort, in case of a lean year.

Things to do in Bansko

Bansko has a lot to offer besides skiing, especially on the cultural side. Visiting the old town, home to one of Bulgaria’s oldest churches, is a worthwhile outing in itself. There are also geothermal springs nearby, guided mountain walks on snowshoes and horse riding. It also has a lively après scene, with some excellently named venues. Its biggest bar is Happy End, which has DJs and live music as well as a restaurant. Sing Sing piano bar has more of a relaxed vibe, the kind of place to kick back with a cocktail after a hard day on the slopes. There’s a wide range of restaurants serving everything from sushi to hearty Bulgarian favourites such as Kapama, a slow cooked dish made with several cuts of meat and pickled cabbage.